Senegal's Nicolas Jackson Determined to Stay at Chelsea, Prove Worth to Xabi Alonso

Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson has expressed his firm intention to remain at Chelsea and fight for his place under new manager Xabi Alonso, following a mixed loan spell at Bayern Munich. The 25-year-old forward, currently representing Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is focused on reviving his career at Stamford Bridge rather than seeking another move away from the club.

Jackson's nine-month stint in the Bundesliga was neither a spectacular success nor a failure. He recorded eight goals in 23 league appearances for Bayern, including a standout performance in a 5-0 demolition of St. Pauli in April and a goal that sparked a 4-3 comeback victory over Mainz. However, he did not do enough to earn a permanent transfer to the German champions, primarily because he is not a natural penalty-box striker or a ruthless finisher, but rather a forward valued for his movement, intensity, and ability to create chaos in the final third.

According to sources close to the player, Jackson is determined to stay at Chelsea provided he is given a fair opportunity to earn consistent minutes in the team. His decision comes as Chelsea's attacking department is expected to undergo evaluation before the new campaign. Internally, Jackson views the World Cup as a vital platform to showcase his development, confidence, and readiness to compete at the highest level. His performances in the tournament are being closely monitored by Senegal's technical team and Chelsea staff assessing squad options for the upcoming season.

Jackson's playing style may align well with Alonso's tactical preferences. At Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso consistently favoured mobile forwards capable of fluid movement across the frontline over traditional target men. Patrik Schick, a more static focal point with a superior goalscoring record, was often marginalised during Leverkusen's Bundesliga title-winning campaign because Alonso preferred mobility, intensity, and tactical flexibility in big games. At Chelsea, Jackson's willingness to vacate central areas created opportunities for teammates such as Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández, even though his own finishing was criticised.

The forward's long-term future appears to lie in West London. Since returning from Bayern Munich, Jackson has been working on improving his consistency and finishing—areas often highlighted as key to unlocking his full potential in the Premier League. His stance signals a willingness to stay and compete rather than seek an immediate exit, with both the World Cup and the upcoming club season offering him a chance to reshape the next phase of his career.